We always hear how others take time away from their business to do things they want with their families. They take vacations, weekends off to watch their children compete in a basketball game, or they take a day off in the middle of the week to spend time with a friend that is in town for the day.

Many business owners feel they can’t do this because their business will suffer. You need to know this is not the case. More times than not, your business will suffer if you don’t take time off.

When you work day after day, week after week and you never take a break, it’s going to show in your attitude and the way you do business. The slightest little thing will trigger it and you may take it out on a client.

When this happens, you may lose the trust of that client or you may lose them all together. Depending on the situation, the client may tell others about it and you’ll lose trust and your reputation will go down. This is not good for business, so it’s best to not let it happen.

The best way to avoid this is to take time for yourself. Even if you take an hour a week, just do it. When you do this on a weekly basis you’ll find you have more patients and you won’t take it out on your clients.

There are so many things you can do for yourself each week. Here are a few suggestions to consider.

1. Bubble bath
2. Manicure or pedicure
3. Girls night out
4. Weekend away with your spouse
5. Read a book not related to business
6. Take a nap
7. Go to bed early
8. Go for a walk
9. Go to the park
10. Go iceskating

These are just a few of the things you can do for yourself or with your family that doesn’t include your business. Find something you enjoy and plan to do it weekly or monthly. Write it into your calendar so it happens regularly. Don’t think just because it’s on the calendar and it’s for yourself that you can erase it from the calendar. It’s important that you make this happen each time.

If you work at home all day, set a time to turn off the computer and stick to it. You’ll find this will make you feel better. Unplugging is not a bad thing at all. When you do this, you’ll find you have time to help your children with their homework or tuck them into bed each night. Your spouse will enjoy this because you’ll be able to talk and have fun with each other.

“Me time” is crucial for business owners. You’ll find you’ll grow more and your clients will appreciate it even if they don’t know you’re taking the time. You’ll want to work and you’ll look forward to your “me time” each week.